Brexit, Ukraine and Greece dominate EU political agenda this week

Brexit seems to be the topic dominating British politics this week and the Brexit team at the European Commission are following every step. In response to the UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson’s comments that the EU EU should go and whistle, Michel Barnier replied that there was no whistle, but just a ticking clocking. Many in Brussels are still questioning why Theresa May called for a general election in June that has left her now in a weak position. Brexit talks between David Davis and Michel Barnier will recommence in Brussels on Monday.

Meanwhile, the heads of the EU institutions headed to Kiev this week to seal closer ties with Ukraine. After years of delay, the Association Agreement was signed, but the EU also used the occasion to pressure the country into doing more to tackle corruption.

This weekend marks one year since Turkey was shaken by a coup attempt. Since then, the government has carried out a large purge against part of the judiciary, the army, the civil service and the media. The crackdown has dealt a serious blow to already tense relations between Brussels and Ankara.
 
One country who was given some relief this week was Greece. The European Commission proposed to put an end to the excessive deficit procedure launched in 2009 against Athens. The final decision will be taken in the coming weeks by the Union’s finance ministers.